It's official - OptusNet is now the fastest growing and second largest ISP in Australia.

The ACNielsen December 2002 Residential Market Share Report confirms that "based on absolute customer numbers, Optus is the fastest growing residential ISP in Australia and based on current growth rates Optus is estimated to be the number two residential ISP in the market as at 31 January 2003."

Today Optus has more than 540,000 residential customers and is acquiring more than 30,000 new residential customers per month.

Martin Dalgleish, Managing Director of Optus Consumer and Multimedia said product innovation and a superior network are key to Optus' ISP success.

"In a competitive ISP market, Optus has seen rapid growth because we offer a superior service. Customers can rely on us and our network. Customers are more satisfied and are staying with us longer."

"We have seen record volumes and record growth and as a late starter in Internet, we are extremely pleased about snatching the number two spot from Ozemail," Mr Dalgleish said.

"And clearly, we are a serious challenger to Telstra in both dial-up and cable broadband internet."

The introduction of Phone & Net bundles have led to more than 80 per cent of Optus' new dial-up internet customers bundling with telephony. In addition, more than 60 per cent of new dial-up customers are choosing high-end plans including OptusNet NetRollover 120 hours and NetAllHours.

Over the past three years Optus has seen consistent demand for its OptusNet cable high-speed internet product, but with the introduction of four flat rate plans and an entry level product with a monthly charge from $55, demand has skyrocketed.

"OptusNet cable offers superior speed and reliability, flat rates with no penalty usage charges and a significant bundled benefit of 100 free local calls*," Mr Dalgleish said.

For more information:
Melissa Favero
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 9342 5030

About OptusNet

OptusNet Dial-up gives access to the internet via standard telephone lines throughout Australian cities, towns and regional areas.

In 2002 and for the third time in a row, the ACNielsen Consult Australian Online Internet Survey found OptusNet Dial-Up has the highest level of customer satisfaction among the top five ISPs.

OptusNet Dial-Up has also been voted the Best Overall ISP by Internet.au, a leading computer magazine.

Launched in 2000, OptusNet Cable is one of Australias leading high-speed cable internet providers. It has majority marketshare within Optus cabled areas.

Customers in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are enjoying internet access at speeds more than 100 times faster than standard dial-up speeds. The service is delivered over the Optus HFC (Hybrid Fibre/Coaxial) cable.

OptusNet Cable caters to a wide customer base and offers four usage-based plans at different price points. The plans feature an affordable start up plan for first time users, flat monthly fees and no per megabyte charges.

In July 2002, OptusNet Cable pioneered the use of speed limiting or throttling. Once users reach their limit, the speed of their service is slowed - so they can stay connected for the entire month, continuing to access email and surf the net, but at a slower speed and at no extra cost.

In April 2002, OptusNet Cable was voted Best Buy Broadband Provider by PC User Magazine.

To sign up or obtain more information about OptusNet Dial-Up or Cable, visit OptusNet or call 1800 550 124.

*Available on our 15 cent local call plan.